Gospel Luke 2:22-40
# 1 Anna and Simeon
How many of you have seen the movie, the Bucket List. Two men mark off the things they want to do before they die. Do you have a list of what you want to do, or see or achieve, before you die?
Simeon didn’t have a bucket list, but [verse 26] he has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will not die before he has seen the Messiah.
Mary and Joseph are following standard Jewish protocol in going to the Temple for Mary’s purification 40 days after the birth. They take Jesus with them, though it is not necessary for the child to be present.
The Spirit leads Simeon into the temple, at the time Mary and Joseph and Jesus are there. Simeon takes the child in his arms and praises God; this is known as the Nunc Dimittis. We will sing it shortly. Here Simeon announces that he has seen the salvation God has sent of all people, a light to the Gentiles and glory for the people of Israel.
Last night I found out many people here had not heard of Anna. These few verses are all we hear of Anna; a prophet, daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, and a widow. She spends her time in the Temple, praying and fasting. And she praises God. Anna tells those around here of the child who will redeem Israel.
Simeon and Anna both recognise Jesus as the Messiah. They don’t only see a little baby; they see the fulfilment of God’s promise to send a Messiah, one who will bring salvation, one who will change the world. They both praised God for his coming.
What can we learn from Anna and Simeon?
In the culture of first century Israel, older people were revered, they were considered wise. Anan and Simeon were devout, Anna spending her time in the temple, or the women’s area of the Temple; and Simeon responding to the Spirit’s prompting to enter the Temple at the time that Jesus was there. There is another pattern common to both Simeon and Anna – they recognise something special in Jesus; they praise God; they speak about what God is doing. There is no gooey cute baby stuff here. Recognise/praise/tell.
What do you want to see or do before you die?
When have you recognised God in action; and responded with praise? Did you tell anyone?
Hymn/song: TIS 733 Lord God, you now have set your servant free
Drama: Now a drama [Hay and stardust pp. 231-3]
#2 Jesus’ birthday
I am told it is hard when your birthday occurs on December 25. Some families celebrate the birthday a few weeks early, especially with a child; others have different ways of working through multiple celebrations.
Christmas is thought of as Jesus Birthday; and it is the celebration of him being born. But, when we have birthday parties, we don’t just celebrate being born, and the events surrounding our actual birth. We celebrate life, friendships, joys, sorrows, family etc. etc.
Let’s pretend Jesus is having an actual party, with invitations, presents, food and speeches. Are you on the guest list; and who else is there? What gift do you take for Jesus?
If you were to make a speech at Jesus birthday party, what would you include? [Try and get some answers]
A poem about a Christmas gift for Jesus. [poem from http://carolpenner.typepad.com/leadinginworship/2011/11/the-year-i-put-god-on-the-christmas-list.html ]
